Unconditional Love
Ned waltzed Skye around the cabin, their soft laughter filled the candle lit room. She smiled up at him, in all his handsome glory. He was undoubtedly the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. He lowered her head and placed a soft kiss on her lips. He twirled her around the room a few more times before the song came to an end.
"Skye, I have something I'd like to ask you." He told her, still holding her close to him. His nervousness from earlier seemed to disappear, he felt strangely calm.
She smiled and nodded.
Ned let her out of his grasp and lowered himself down to one knee in front of her, taking a small black box out of his jacket pocket. He raised his eyes to hers, "Skye, I want you to be the last person I see when I go to bed at night and the first person I see when I wake up in the morning. I want you to be the reason I'm late for work in the mornings and the reason I rush home in the evenings. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you."
Ned took her left hand in his right, taking the ring out of the box, he held the sparkling five carat princess cut diamond above her ring finger, "Antoinette Skye Quartermaine, will you marry me?"
Skye smiled through falling tears, "Yes." She whispered.
He slipped the ring on her finger, placing a kiss over top of it before rising to his feet. His cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs wiped away a few fallen tears before he moved closer to her, covering her lips with his in the most gentle, yet meaningful kiss.
"I love you." She whispered softly, "I'm sorry about earlier, I just...I didn't want to be the reason and your friendship with Jax ended. Despite all the nasty remarks I made, I only had your best interest at heart."
"I know." He told her, "I should have never said all those things to you either and I'm sorry about the way I acted, I should have never tried to solve our problems with sex, I was just trying to get you to understand that I wanted you."
Skye nodded, "I know, but Ned, I'll always want you."
"Are you sure about that?" He asked.
"I'm positive." She said softly, "You take me as who I am and not who I'm dressed up to be. You're the man I've been searching for my entire life and I can't wait to become your wife."
He leaned forward and kissed her again, "When do you want to become Mrs. Ned Ashton?"
She looked him in the eyes, "As soon as possible."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile at the Quartermaine Mansion, Edward had just stormed into the living room where the family was gathered.
"What's this emergency meeting about Edward?" Monica asked.
"It's about ELQ." He said standing before them.
"What's wrong with ELQ, Ned is doing a fine job." Alan told his father.
"Well, Ned is too busy chasing a certain red head around to concentrate on anything other than how to get her into bed and keep her there." Edward said sternly, "He's too involved in playing house with Skye and Kristina. It's almost incest."
Everyone else seemed to already know what he was referring to, but Alan. "What are you talking about Father?"
"Are you actually that ignorant?" Edward questioned, "Ned and Skye have been.......you know.....involved for a while now."
Alan still held the look of shock on his face, he looked around at his other family members, who seemed unaffected by Edwards little announcement.
"What?" Alan asked again, "How long has this been going on?"
"Months." Edward informed him.
Alan looked over at AJ, "Did you know about this?"
"Ned and Jax got into a fight at ELQ today." AJ told him, "So, yeah it makes perfect sense now."
"Dillon?" Alan questioned.
Dillon tried to avoid eye contact, "Yeah, I seen them together in the park."
"Zander and I ran into them in the movie theater." Emily confessed.
Alan sat back taking it all in, "Monica, what do you know about this?"
"Well, since the cat's out of the bag." She began, "Skye got upset today and took off to Llanview and Ned went after her."
Alan remained silent.
"Now, do you see why I want to remove Ned from ELQ." Edward pointed out, "I'm only doing what's best for the company and the family."
"I don't understand why they just didn't come right out and tell us. Skye should have known that I would have supported her decision, she knows that I love her." Alan said outraged, "I don't see what the secrecy was all about."
"Alan, calm down." Monica demanded, "You and Edward both. Did you ever stop to think that maybe Ned and Skye were planning on telling us?"
"Yeah?" Dillon asked, "When?"
"Maybe when they felt the time was right, maybe when they discovered that they truly were in love." Monica explained, "Or maybe, just maybe they never planned on telling us at all because of the way they knew you two would react."
"It's not just us." Edward said, defending himself, "AJ, Dillon, Emily, what do you think of all this?"
"It's fine with me." AJ told him, "The only thing I've ever wanted was for Skye to be happy and if Ned makes her happy then so be it."
"Hey, I'm not going to complain, Skye's defended me more than one time." Dillon confessed, "Mainly against you, Grandfather."
Emily smiled, "I actually seen Ned and Skye together as a couple and I don't think I've ever seen the two of them happier."
"There's your answer." Monica gestured, "You two are the only one's with the problem."
"I don't have a problem with it." Alan said firmly, "I just wish Skye would have came to me."
"Well, Ned was the one that came to me." Monica informed him, "I just hope that he found her and that everything works out. Some of us deserve to be happy in this miserable family."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, Ned and Skye went into Llanview and obtained a marriage license, but both agreed that they didn't want to marry in the court house. Rae arranged for Joey Buchanan to marry them at St. Andrews and a small reception at the Palace would follow, complete with cake.
While Ned was off buying something to wear for the occasion and picked out the rings, Skye was getting her hair and make up done at Foxy Roxy's.
"Nothing over the top." Skye told Roxy, "I want simple, yet elegant."
"I can do that." Roxy began brushing her hair, "So where's Rae?"
"She's out picking out a dress." Skye told her.
"Oh, is this your first time?" Roxy asked.
Skye gave her a strange look. "Gettin hitched, I mean." Roxy clarified.
Skye was now on the same track with her, "No, it's my fifth."
"Well, you know what they say, the fifth times the charm."
"Isn't that the third?" Skye asked.
"Yeah, well, it doesn't matter."
Ned was in Angel Square, he was debating about making a phone call to the family. Finally he decided that he could at least fill them in on what was going on and if they wanted to be here, they could be. He dialed the number and waited impatiently for an answer, the phone rang three times before it was finally answered by Emily, "Hello?"
"Emily, it's Ned, are you busy?"
"No.' Emily told him, "Not at the moment, why?"
"Well, Skye and I are in Llanview." Ned paused for a few seconds, "We're getting married in a few hours and I wanted to know if you'd like to be here."
"Wow." Was all Emily could say, "Sure, I'd love to be there."
"The ceremony starts at two o'clock at St. Andrews." Ned informed her, "I'll see you then."
"Bye." Emily said before hanging up the phone. She walked out into the foyer, "Mom." She called out, "Mom."
Monica came walking to the top of the stairs, "Is there anything wrong dear?"
"I think you should come down here, I have something to tell you."
She was down the stairs in a flash, "What is it?" She asked frantic, "Is something wrong?"
"We all have to get ready." Emily told her, "We're going to Llanview, we have to be there before two o'clock."
"Llanview?" Monica asked, "Why?"
"Ned just called, he said that he and Skye are getting married."
"Married?" Monica questioned, "They're getting married today?"
"Yes at two o'clock." Emily glanced at her watch, "It's ten thirty, we have to get a move on it." She handed her the cordless phone, "Call Dad and tell him the good news."
Monica took the phone from her daughter, as she was dialing the number, flashes of Alan's reaction shot through her mind.
"Hello?" Alan answered.
"Alan, You have to come home and get ready, we're going to Llanview."
"Llanview?" He questioned, "Is there something wrong with Skye?"
"No." Monica told him, "She's getting married."
"To whom?" Alan asked.
"Santa Claus." Monica said sarcastically, "Who do you think?"
"Ned." Alan breathed out, "I'll be right home."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Three hours later, Skye was in her dressing room at St. Andrews, patiently waiting for Rae, she was all ready, just waiting for the dress. Rae opened the door to the bridal chambers, she had a large white box in her hands. She sat it down on the settee.
"There's you dress." Rae told her, "I hope you like what I picked out."
"I'm sure I will." Skye opened the lid and sat it aside, she pulled out a strapless, white, satin gown, that was traditional yet simple and elegant, but not over the top. "Mom, it's beautiful." She answered, holding the dress up to her in the mirror.
Rae smiled, "Well, let's see what you look like in it."
Skye handed her the dress and then slipped off her robe. Rae helped her into the dress and then zipped it up in the back. Skye looked up into the mirror in front of her as she smoothed the dress out over her stomach, she seen her Mother smiling behind her.
Turning around to face her, Skye smiled, "Thank you, Mom."
Rae hugged her daughter, "I never thought yesterday that I would be here helping you prepare for your wedding today."
"Me either." Skye laughed, "I had no idea that Ned was going to come after me, let alone propose."
"Well, I'm glad he did." Rae told her, "I've never seen you so happy."
There was a light knock on the door. "That better not be Ned. He's not suppose to see you before the wedding, it's bad luck." Rae said as she opened the door.
Emily and Monica walked in.
"What are you two doing here?" Skye asked in shock, "How did you find out?"
"Ned called me a few hours ago." Emily explained, "He said that the two of you were getting married and that we were all invited."
"Did you not know he called?" Monica asked her.
"No." Skye said, shaking her head, "But, I'm glad he did. Who else is here with you?"
"Your Father, AJ, Dillon and Kristina." Monica told her, "We made sure Edward stayed home, we didn't want him to ruin your and Ned's wedding."
Skye smiled, "Thank you."
"Well, we just wanted to come in and tell you we were here." Emily said walking to the door with Monica behind her.
"Emily, wait!" Skye called, "I know it's a little short notice, but would you be my maid of honor?"
Emily smiled, "I'd love to."
It was exactly two o'clock. Ned was standing in the front of the church in a black tux, talking to Joe Buchanan, to his right was Dillon, who was chosen as best man, on his right was Emily. Monica, AJ and Rae sat in the front row and Kristina was seated in her stroller, facing the front of the church.
Alan and Skye were standing in the hallway, waiting for their cue.
"Skye, I just want you to know that I love you and if you would have come to me and told me about your relationship with Ned, I would have understood and I would have supported the both of you."
"I know Daddy, it's just that we wanted to take things slow and to make sure that things were going to work out before we involved the family."
"Well, it's all out in the open now." Alan told her, "And other than Edward, everyone's happy."
"Edward's never happy about anything." Skye laughed, "Although I hope that he doesn't tell Tracy, the last thing we need is for her to show up and ruin everything."
"Don't worry about Tracy, she's across the world and besides, I'm sure Rae would tackle her the moment she stepped into the church."
"If Monica didn't get her first." Skye replied, "Are you sure you want to walk me down the aisle?"
"I missed the last four times and I'll be damned if I miss this one." Alan said firmly, "You'll always be my daughter Skye."
"I love you Daddy." She whispered.
"I love you too, beautiful." He whispered back.
The Wedding March began to play, Monica, AJ and Rae rose to their feet and everyone at the altar looked down the aisle. Alan walked Skye down the aisle, slowly. Ned smiled brightly as he watched his beautiful bride walk towards him. Alan and Skye stepped up onto the platform.
Monica, Rae and AJ sat back down. "Who gives this woman away?" Joe asked.
"I do." Alan answered proudly. He turned to Skye, gently lifting her veil and placing a kiss on her cheek, he then placed her hand in Ned's. He stepped down and took his seat beside Monica.
Joe began, "Dearly beloved we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony." Joe went on about marriage and love being a bond of togetherness, then he finally asked the question, "Before I go any further, is there anyone here who objects?"
Not even a sound was made and so Joe continued, he turned to Skye, "Repeat after me. I Antoinette take the Edward to love honor and cherish. For richer or poorer. For better or for worse. In sickness and in health, from this day forward until death parts us."
Skye smiled, "I Antoinette take the Edward to love, honor and cherish. For richer or for poorer. For better or for worse. In sickness and in health, from this day forward until death parts us."
He then turned to Ned, "Repeat after me. I Edward take the Antoinette to love, honor and cherish. For richer or for poorer. For better or for worse. In sickness and in health, from this day forward until death parts us."
"I Edward, take the Antoinette to love, honor and cherish. For richer or for poorer. For better or for worse. In sickness and in health, from this day forward until death parts us." Ned repeated.
"Now, for the rings." Joe instructed.
Ned turned to Dillon, who handed him Skye's ring. He then turned to face Skye, taking her hand in his, "With this ring, I thee wed." He slipped the ring onto her finger.
Emily stepped forward and handed Skye, Ned's gold band, she then turned to face him, "With this ring, I thee wed." She slipped the ring onto his finger.
They both turned to face Joe, "Do you Antoinette Skye Quartermaine take his man, Edward Lawrence Ashton to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Skye blinked back a few tears, "I do."
"Do you Edward Lawrence Ashton take this woman, Antoinette Skye Quartermaine to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
Ned smiled, "I do."
"By the power vested in me and the state of Pennsylvania, I pronounce you husband and wife." Joe shut his bible, "Edward, you may kiss your bride."
Ned stepped forward, cupping Skye's face in his hand, he kissed her lips softly and then pulled her into a passionate kiss before pulling away. "I love you." He whispered.
Skye held him tightly to her "I love you."
~~~~~~~~~~~
The eight of them sat around a table at the Palace, they had enjoyed their dinner and were now cutting the cake. Skye held the baby in her arms, but Kristina had something different in mind, she grabbed for a piece of cake with her small hands, she took a taste and then offered it to Skye. Skye took a bite and Kristina then reached her cake covered hand over to Ned, smearing it across his mouth.
The family's soft and happy laughter filled the room and to innocent bystanders they seemed to have it all, they seemed to be the perfect family.
Skye and Ned decided to stay in Llanview, they wanted a new start in a new location. After the custody battle of Kristina was settled it was agreed that Ned would have Kristina every weekend and they all would get together for the holidays.
Before their second wedding anniversary they welcomed a son, Benjamin Alan and three years after that a daughter they named Lila Grace. Brooke had also become a big part or their lives.
Edward finally accepted their relationship as did Tracy, although it took her the birth of Benjamin before she finally came around. Skye never told Tony that he was her Father, she felt that as long as she had Alan in her life she didn't need or want any other man to be her Father.
Skye and Ned's relationship brought the family closer together, when they thought for sure it would tear them further apart. It just went to show that nothing ever turns out quite the way you imagine it would.
The End
I know that Ned never told Skye that Kristina wasn't his biological daughter, but I felt that Ned had made the promise to Alexis to be Kristina's father and that it was between them. I had a great time writing this story and I'm sorry to see it end but I felt that it was time. So if you liked the story please, please, review and tell me your final thoughts. Thanks!!!!!!!!
Ned waltzed Skye around the cabin, their soft laughter filled the candle lit room. She smiled up at him, in all his handsome glory. He was undoubtedly the man she wanted to spend the rest of her life with. He lowered her head and placed a soft kiss on her lips. He twirled her around the room a few more times before the song came to an end.
"Skye, I have something I'd like to ask you." He told her, still holding her close to him. His nervousness from earlier seemed to disappear, he felt strangely calm.
She smiled and nodded.
Ned let her out of his grasp and lowered himself down to one knee in front of her, taking a small black box out of his jacket pocket. He raised his eyes to hers, "Skye, I want you to be the last person I see when I go to bed at night and the first person I see when I wake up in the morning. I want you to be the reason I'm late for work in the mornings and the reason I rush home in the evenings. I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I love you."
Ned took her left hand in his right, taking the ring out of the box, he held the sparkling five carat princess cut diamond above her ring finger, "Antoinette Skye Quartermaine, will you marry me?"
Skye smiled through falling tears, "Yes." She whispered.
He slipped the ring on her finger, placing a kiss over top of it before rising to his feet. His cupped her face in his hands, his thumbs wiped away a few fallen tears before he moved closer to her, covering her lips with his in the most gentle, yet meaningful kiss.
"I love you." She whispered softly, "I'm sorry about earlier, I just...I didn't want to be the reason and your friendship with Jax ended. Despite all the nasty remarks I made, I only had your best interest at heart."
"I know." He told her, "I should have never said all those things to you either and I'm sorry about the way I acted, I should have never tried to solve our problems with sex, I was just trying to get you to understand that I wanted you."
Skye nodded, "I know, but Ned, I'll always want you."
"Are you sure about that?" He asked.
"I'm positive." She said softly, "You take me as who I am and not who I'm dressed up to be. You're the man I've been searching for my entire life and I can't wait to become your wife."
He leaned forward and kissed her again, "When do you want to become Mrs. Ned Ashton?"
She looked him in the eyes, "As soon as possible."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Meanwhile at the Quartermaine Mansion, Edward had just stormed into the living room where the family was gathered.
"What's this emergency meeting about Edward?" Monica asked.
"It's about ELQ." He said standing before them.
"What's wrong with ELQ, Ned is doing a fine job." Alan told his father.
"Well, Ned is too busy chasing a certain red head around to concentrate on anything other than how to get her into bed and keep her there." Edward said sternly, "He's too involved in playing house with Skye and Kristina. It's almost incest."
Everyone else seemed to already know what he was referring to, but Alan. "What are you talking about Father?"
"Are you actually that ignorant?" Edward questioned, "Ned and Skye have been.......you know.....involved for a while now."
Alan still held the look of shock on his face, he looked around at his other family members, who seemed unaffected by Edwards little announcement.
"What?" Alan asked again, "How long has this been going on?"
"Months." Edward informed him.
Alan looked over at AJ, "Did you know about this?"
"Ned and Jax got into a fight at ELQ today." AJ told him, "So, yeah it makes perfect sense now."
"Dillon?" Alan questioned.
Dillon tried to avoid eye contact, "Yeah, I seen them together in the park."
"Zander and I ran into them in the movie theater." Emily confessed.
Alan sat back taking it all in, "Monica, what do you know about this?"
"Well, since the cat's out of the bag." She began, "Skye got upset today and took off to Llanview and Ned went after her."
Alan remained silent.
"Now, do you see why I want to remove Ned from ELQ." Edward pointed out, "I'm only doing what's best for the company and the family."
"I don't understand why they just didn't come right out and tell us. Skye should have known that I would have supported her decision, she knows that I love her." Alan said outraged, "I don't see what the secrecy was all about."
"Alan, calm down." Monica demanded, "You and Edward both. Did you ever stop to think that maybe Ned and Skye were planning on telling us?"
"Yeah?" Dillon asked, "When?"
"Maybe when they felt the time was right, maybe when they discovered that they truly were in love." Monica explained, "Or maybe, just maybe they never planned on telling us at all because of the way they knew you two would react."
"It's not just us." Edward said, defending himself, "AJ, Dillon, Emily, what do you think of all this?"
"It's fine with me." AJ told him, "The only thing I've ever wanted was for Skye to be happy and if Ned makes her happy then so be it."
"Hey, I'm not going to complain, Skye's defended me more than one time." Dillon confessed, "Mainly against you, Grandfather."
Emily smiled, "I actually seen Ned and Skye together as a couple and I don't think I've ever seen the two of them happier."
"There's your answer." Monica gestured, "You two are the only one's with the problem."
"I don't have a problem with it." Alan said firmly, "I just wish Skye would have came to me."
"Well, Ned was the one that came to me." Monica informed him, "I just hope that he found her and that everything works out. Some of us deserve to be happy in this miserable family."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The next morning, Ned and Skye went into Llanview and obtained a marriage license, but both agreed that they didn't want to marry in the court house. Rae arranged for Joey Buchanan to marry them at St. Andrews and a small reception at the Palace would follow, complete with cake.
While Ned was off buying something to wear for the occasion and picked out the rings, Skye was getting her hair and make up done at Foxy Roxy's.
"Nothing over the top." Skye told Roxy, "I want simple, yet elegant."
"I can do that." Roxy began brushing her hair, "So where's Rae?"
"She's out picking out a dress." Skye told her.
"Oh, is this your first time?" Roxy asked.
Skye gave her a strange look. "Gettin hitched, I mean." Roxy clarified.
Skye was now on the same track with her, "No, it's my fifth."
"Well, you know what they say, the fifth times the charm."
"Isn't that the third?" Skye asked.
"Yeah, well, it doesn't matter."
Ned was in Angel Square, he was debating about making a phone call to the family. Finally he decided that he could at least fill them in on what was going on and if they wanted to be here, they could be. He dialed the number and waited impatiently for an answer, the phone rang three times before it was finally answered by Emily, "Hello?"
"Emily, it's Ned, are you busy?"
"No.' Emily told him, "Not at the moment, why?"
"Well, Skye and I are in Llanview." Ned paused for a few seconds, "We're getting married in a few hours and I wanted to know if you'd like to be here."
"Wow." Was all Emily could say, "Sure, I'd love to be there."
"The ceremony starts at two o'clock at St. Andrews." Ned informed her, "I'll see you then."
"Bye." Emily said before hanging up the phone. She walked out into the foyer, "Mom." She called out, "Mom."
Monica came walking to the top of the stairs, "Is there anything wrong dear?"
"I think you should come down here, I have something to tell you."
She was down the stairs in a flash, "What is it?" She asked frantic, "Is something wrong?"
"We all have to get ready." Emily told her, "We're going to Llanview, we have to be there before two o'clock."
"Llanview?" Monica asked, "Why?"
"Ned just called, he said that he and Skye are getting married."
"Married?" Monica questioned, "They're getting married today?"
"Yes at two o'clock." Emily glanced at her watch, "It's ten thirty, we have to get a move on it." She handed her the cordless phone, "Call Dad and tell him the good news."
Monica took the phone from her daughter, as she was dialing the number, flashes of Alan's reaction shot through her mind.
"Hello?" Alan answered.
"Alan, You have to come home and get ready, we're going to Llanview."
"Llanview?" He questioned, "Is there something wrong with Skye?"
"No." Monica told him, "She's getting married."
"To whom?" Alan asked.
"Santa Claus." Monica said sarcastically, "Who do you think?"
"Ned." Alan breathed out, "I'll be right home."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Three hours later, Skye was in her dressing room at St. Andrews, patiently waiting for Rae, she was all ready, just waiting for the dress. Rae opened the door to the bridal chambers, she had a large white box in her hands. She sat it down on the settee.
"There's you dress." Rae told her, "I hope you like what I picked out."
"I'm sure I will." Skye opened the lid and sat it aside, she pulled out a strapless, white, satin gown, that was traditional yet simple and elegant, but not over the top. "Mom, it's beautiful." She answered, holding the dress up to her in the mirror.
Rae smiled, "Well, let's see what you look like in it."
Skye handed her the dress and then slipped off her robe. Rae helped her into the dress and then zipped it up in the back. Skye looked up into the mirror in front of her as she smoothed the dress out over her stomach, she seen her Mother smiling behind her.
Turning around to face her, Skye smiled, "Thank you, Mom."
Rae hugged her daughter, "I never thought yesterday that I would be here helping you prepare for your wedding today."
"Me either." Skye laughed, "I had no idea that Ned was going to come after me, let alone propose."
"Well, I'm glad he did." Rae told her, "I've never seen you so happy."
There was a light knock on the door. "That better not be Ned. He's not suppose to see you before the wedding, it's bad luck." Rae said as she opened the door.
Emily and Monica walked in.
"What are you two doing here?" Skye asked in shock, "How did you find out?"
"Ned called me a few hours ago." Emily explained, "He said that the two of you were getting married and that we were all invited."
"Did you not know he called?" Monica asked her.
"No." Skye said, shaking her head, "But, I'm glad he did. Who else is here with you?"
"Your Father, AJ, Dillon and Kristina." Monica told her, "We made sure Edward stayed home, we didn't want him to ruin your and Ned's wedding."
Skye smiled, "Thank you."
"Well, we just wanted to come in and tell you we were here." Emily said walking to the door with Monica behind her.
"Emily, wait!" Skye called, "I know it's a little short notice, but would you be my maid of honor?"
Emily smiled, "I'd love to."
It was exactly two o'clock. Ned was standing in the front of the church in a black tux, talking to Joe Buchanan, to his right was Dillon, who was chosen as best man, on his right was Emily. Monica, AJ and Rae sat in the front row and Kristina was seated in her stroller, facing the front of the church.
Alan and Skye were standing in the hallway, waiting for their cue.
"Skye, I just want you to know that I love you and if you would have come to me and told me about your relationship with Ned, I would have understood and I would have supported the both of you."
"I know Daddy, it's just that we wanted to take things slow and to make sure that things were going to work out before we involved the family."
"Well, it's all out in the open now." Alan told her, "And other than Edward, everyone's happy."
"Edward's never happy about anything." Skye laughed, "Although I hope that he doesn't tell Tracy, the last thing we need is for her to show up and ruin everything."
"Don't worry about Tracy, she's across the world and besides, I'm sure Rae would tackle her the moment she stepped into the church."
"If Monica didn't get her first." Skye replied, "Are you sure you want to walk me down the aisle?"
"I missed the last four times and I'll be damned if I miss this one." Alan said firmly, "You'll always be my daughter Skye."
"I love you Daddy." She whispered.
"I love you too, beautiful." He whispered back.
The Wedding March began to play, Monica, AJ and Rae rose to their feet and everyone at the altar looked down the aisle. Alan walked Skye down the aisle, slowly. Ned smiled brightly as he watched his beautiful bride walk towards him. Alan and Skye stepped up onto the platform.
Monica, Rae and AJ sat back down. "Who gives this woman away?" Joe asked.
"I do." Alan answered proudly. He turned to Skye, gently lifting her veil and placing a kiss on her cheek, he then placed her hand in Ned's. He stepped down and took his seat beside Monica.
Joe began, "Dearly beloved we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony." Joe went on about marriage and love being a bond of togetherness, then he finally asked the question, "Before I go any further, is there anyone here who objects?"
Not even a sound was made and so Joe continued, he turned to Skye, "Repeat after me. I Antoinette take the Edward to love honor and cherish. For richer or poorer. For better or for worse. In sickness and in health, from this day forward until death parts us."
Skye smiled, "I Antoinette take the Edward to love, honor and cherish. For richer or for poorer. For better or for worse. In sickness and in health, from this day forward until death parts us."
He then turned to Ned, "Repeat after me. I Edward take the Antoinette to love, honor and cherish. For richer or for poorer. For better or for worse. In sickness and in health, from this day forward until death parts us."
"I Edward, take the Antoinette to love, honor and cherish. For richer or for poorer. For better or for worse. In sickness and in health, from this day forward until death parts us." Ned repeated.
"Now, for the rings." Joe instructed.
Ned turned to Dillon, who handed him Skye's ring. He then turned to face Skye, taking her hand in his, "With this ring, I thee wed." He slipped the ring onto her finger.
Emily stepped forward and handed Skye, Ned's gold band, she then turned to face him, "With this ring, I thee wed." She slipped the ring onto his finger.
They both turned to face Joe, "Do you Antoinette Skye Quartermaine take his man, Edward Lawrence Ashton to be your lawfully wedded husband?"
Skye blinked back a few tears, "I do."
"Do you Edward Lawrence Ashton take this woman, Antoinette Skye Quartermaine to be your lawfully wedded wife?"
Ned smiled, "I do."
"By the power vested in me and the state of Pennsylvania, I pronounce you husband and wife." Joe shut his bible, "Edward, you may kiss your bride."
Ned stepped forward, cupping Skye's face in his hand, he kissed her lips softly and then pulled her into a passionate kiss before pulling away. "I love you." He whispered.
Skye held him tightly to her "I love you."
~~~~~~~~~~~
The eight of them sat around a table at the Palace, they had enjoyed their dinner and were now cutting the cake. Skye held the baby in her arms, but Kristina had something different in mind, she grabbed for a piece of cake with her small hands, she took a taste and then offered it to Skye. Skye took a bite and Kristina then reached her cake covered hand over to Ned, smearing it across his mouth.
The family's soft and happy laughter filled the room and to innocent bystanders they seemed to have it all, they seemed to be the perfect family.
Skye and Ned decided to stay in Llanview, they wanted a new start in a new location. After the custody battle of Kristina was settled it was agreed that Ned would have Kristina every weekend and they all would get together for the holidays.
Before their second wedding anniversary they welcomed a son, Benjamin Alan and three years after that a daughter they named Lila Grace. Brooke had also become a big part or their lives.
Edward finally accepted their relationship as did Tracy, although it took her the birth of Benjamin before she finally came around. Skye never told Tony that he was her Father, she felt that as long as she had Alan in her life she didn't need or want any other man to be her Father.
Skye and Ned's relationship brought the family closer together, when they thought for sure it would tear them further apart. It just went to show that nothing ever turns out quite the way you imagine it would.
The End
I know that Ned never told Skye that Kristina wasn't his biological daughter, but I felt that Ned had made the promise to Alexis to be Kristina's father and that it was between them. I had a great time writing this story and I'm sorry to see it end but I felt that it was time. So if you liked the story please, please, review and tell me your final thoughts. Thanks!!!!!!!!